(A/N: Here's where things start to really happen. Enjoy!)
The next few weeks were... interesting, to say the least. It was almost like clockwork; Jubei woke up, did his morning workout, got breakfast smoothies for himself and Venus, returned to find her just waking up, help her with... using the bathroom, showering, etc. He also brought their meals in her room, so they could eat together. When she was comfortable alone, he went off to train; but after a while, his sessions started growing shorter. She was gradually becoming his main priority.
When a nightmare caused her bad leg to fall off the pillow mountain, he urgently replaced it with the sling, with her reluctantly complying; to their relief, it held more securely. Tears fell that night, her pain not just physical; he hugged her firmly, rubbed her back, and stroked her long, green hair, as she cried in his chest. Not going into details, she told him about her family's abuse, and her fear that they would find and kill her. He assured her that that'll never happen; to make her smile, he said with the fighting skills she's acquiring, she could send them running in seconds. He had to admit, after hearing about the horror she went through with them, he would love to see that. Hearing about the apparent, undeserved demise of an innocent Bulbasaur she took in made him feel sick; he couldn't process what possessed them to even think of committing the heinous act, much less going through with it.
Those things weren't even the most interesting part, though. Shortly after she returned to the dorm to recover, Jubei started feeling weird around Venus, almost like he was... falling for her. He longed to be close to her, for more than to help her as she recovered. During their hug, he never wanted to let her go. Maybe it was because she was being less sarcastic, and more sweet? Perhaps, but she had some moments before her injury. At that same time, without thinking, he pressed a comforting kiss to the top of her head, but she didn't react negatively. If anything, it appeared to soothe her. And she seemed to lean into his hand when he wiped her tears away.
In the gym one day, he saw Butch swinging away at a punching bag, and felt something he hardly felt for anyone, much less someone he barely knew: resentment. But why? All he knew about Butch was that he was the object of Venus' affections.
Maybe that was his reason? But he couldn't fall in love with her! She was his friend, and his training partner; nothing else. He didn't stand a chance with her; she was better off with Butch.
Despite that, he had dreams plaguing his mind every night; wonderful dreams, filled with romance. One in particular had them running barefoot in a field of black and white Heddewigii Dianthus flowers, with Venus wearing a short, black celestial romper, and himself in a blue button-up that matched his eyes, and nice black pants. They sat closely together in a clearing to catch their breath, while Mankey and Zubat were under mingling a tree close by; he plucked a flower from the ground, and tenderly tucked it by the stem behind her left ear. Keeping his gentle hand on her cheek, he leaned in, feeling her own small hands lock together behind his neck, and they shared a kiss. Her purple lip gloss tasted like sweet Pamtre Berries; his favorite. He woke up, feeling a shot of disappointment, after they pulled away.
Other dreams were less specific, but the romance was still there. Kisses were exchanged, some not on the lips, and at some points, they snuggled in her bed. They watched her shows revolving around haunted locations, and he didn't feel any fear. He was even getting invested in the spooky programs.
During one shower, he assumed she forgot that he was nearby, or maybe getting more comfortable with his near-constant presence, because he heard her singing to herself. She had such a beautiful voice.
Mankey, being a smart Pokemon, was able to detect those feelings, and in its own way, gave him good-natured ribbings. In the kitchen, he stifled a laugh when it formed a heart with its hands. "Mankey, stop it, she's going to hear us," He whispered.
In the real world, Venus was completely oblivious to his newfound feelings for her. And despite its lack of eyes, Zubat would practically stare daggers at him in an overprotective manner, but it went unnoticed by its master.
When she was getting suspicious at his unusual behavior, he quickly made the claim that he was whipped from training; she bought it, but he mentally cursed himself for his nervous tone. She just might catch on, and request to switch partners out of discomfort. And he didn't want that to happen; he valued their partnership more than anything, and their friendship.
At the halfway point of her bedrest, he noticed she was getting a small case of cabin fever. He didn't blame her; being cooped up in one place for three weeks can get to someone. Especially someone known to have a short temper. They occasionally went out on the balcony, but it didn't feel like enough.
"You okay?" Jubei asked her one day when he noticed she was laying in bed, arms folded, and wearing pajamas, with her default bored expression.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Ju." Venus replied quietly.
"Are you s-"
"I SAID I'M FINE!" She shouted, startling him, Mankey, and Zubat. Like after her last outburst, she settled herself with a deep breath. "S-sorry." She laid back on her pile of pillows in a huff; almost reaching over, Jubei had to refrain from brushing her short, soft bangs from her forehead. "It's just, I've been here in the dorm for, I dunno, forever, it seems."
"You're okay. I understand; hey, maybe we can go around the academy?" He offered, "A little fresh air will do you some good; and it seems nice out."
She pondered the idea for a moment, then nodded. "I'd like that; thanks."
"No problem, partner." After she changed into a blue/black plaid skirt-crop top combo, with his assistance, and tied her hair in a high wrap ponytail, he helped her into the wheelchair. As Zubat fluttered over to perch on her shoulder, Jubei couldn't help but stare, and let his mind wander; she sure had a nice body under her training uniform. He blinked his dark blue eyes to snap himself out of it; he had still been trying to push away his forbidden feelings for her, with little success. The urge to hold her, stroke her hair, and kiss her was still lingering. He was just glad she wore a bra with her sleepwear, or he would have a stroke.
After helping her left foot into a simple black sneaker, he began their trek around the academy, Mankey following close behind.
That day went swimmingly for the both of them. Cassidy and Wendy borrowed her for a moment in the former's dorm to pamper her, signing/drawing on her cast, and painting her nails black. Jubei and Mankey, meanwhile, spent extra time at the gym to make up for lost time dedicated to keeping Venus company.
As he ran on a treadmill, one not destroyed by Jessie and Cassidy trying to one-up each other, he was approached by Viper. "Jubei, may I have a word with you?"
"Uh, yeah, sure, yes sir," He kept jogging, as he spoke. "What's going on?"
"I noticed you've spent more time with Ms. Wisteria lately, and less time training." Jubei saw the tiniest smirk on the sergeant's face. "Is she still recovering well?"
"Yes sir, she is."
"I'm glad to hear it."
"And about the extra time... sh-she just gets lonely." They both knew that that was Tauros-crap. Venus Wisteria liked her alone time, and everyone knew it; even though she seemed to enjoy his company lately.
"I see. Will you be telling her how you feel about her before her bedrest ends?"
"Wha- AAH!" Jubei was caught off guard by his sudden question, causing a misstep; the treadmill sent him flying back, and into the wall. Everyone in the room watched in concern, but luckily, he wasn't injured like Venus; just a little bruised. "Ow." He stumbled back on his feet, and rubbed his sore back. He smiled when Mankey rushed over from the punching bag it was wailing on earlier. "I'm alright, buddy." Nonetheless, it followed him when he returned to the treadmill, which was now turned off, and stayed by his side. "Sir, wh-what're you talking about?"
Viper's all-knowing smile grew more visible. "I've seen the look on your face when her name is brought up; and everyone here knows she loves her moments of solitude. When did you start feeling this way?"
No denying it now. Viper was too smart to fall for any lies. "Shortly after her bedrest started," He replied, "I don't even know how; it was kind of sudden."
He shared a surprisingly therapeutic heart-to-heart with the sergeant, opening up with his dreams about them as a couple, helping her through the times her vulnerability showed, and overall never wanting to leave her side. Even how he didn't see himself having a chance at being her significant other. Viper assured him that his feelings are temporary, and that after she's back on her feet, everything will revert to normal.
Jubei went back to the girls to retrieve Venus, so they could grab some lunch in the cafeteria. He complimented the black nail polish she now sported, and she told him that the mani-pedi with Cassidy and Wendy was soothing... for the most part. He stifled a laugh at the last part, knowing very well from a past training exercise of endurance that, despite her toughness, and a huge majority of her fashion choices, she's very ticklish. It embarrassed her to no end, but he thought it was adorable. She had a cute laugh.
They sat at a small table with their food, across from each other, and talked more about their day. When she had a drop of mustard on the corner of her lip from her cheeseburger, he had the urge to reach over and brush it off, but kept back. She took care of it herself, and it was strangely arousing how it was swiped off, and her small lips cleaned the condiment off her finger.
Oh, how he wanted to kiss her.
"Uh, h-how's your lunch?" He stammered after a bite of mac-n-cheese.
"Delicious," She replied, "Yours?"
"It's good too."
"So, you said you talked to Sergeant Viper, huh? I didn't think he was one for chit-chat."
"Yeah, in the gym. He was asking me why I've been attending training less lately, and uh, I told him that it's so you won't be lonely."
A small smile grew on her face. "You've been playing hooky to be with me more? That's sweet. What, do you have a crush on me, or something?" She innocently joked.
Jubei's eyes bugged out, and he nearly choked on his soda in surprise, spitting it out right back in the cup through the straw. Venus flinched back, eyebrows raised up in concern, and set her burger down on the paper wrapper, as he coughed in his elbow to recover. Other trainees stared their way, but were paid no mind to. "Did I strike a nerve there?"
"Oh, no, no, I'm fine. That just... caught me off guard."
"I noticed," She smirked, "Sorry."
"It's cool."
The rest of their meal went more peacefully, with less surprises. Until the end, that is. "Uh, Ju, you got a little something there." Venus brought up, gesturing to her face.
"Huh?" He felt around his mouth.
"Here, I got it." She licked her thumb, leaned forward, and wiped the small droplet of cheese sauce off his cheek. He was glad to still be sitting, because his knees felt weak at her gentle touch. Not at all what her training demeanor usually implied. "There we go."
He could only blink, as his cheeks turned a deep red, and his legs were completely numb. "Th-th-thanks." Once his ability to walk returned, he escorted her out.
They followed the shaded sidewalk outside back to the dormitory, when Venus leaning forward while facing the outside world caught his attention, and made him stop. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm admiring the lovely day."
Jubei leaned over to look past the awning; the dark, cloudy sky indicated that a storm could very well roll in at any second. "Uh... y-yeah." He didn't know why he was surprised; for as long as he'd known Venus, he knew she enjoyed darkness. Like an Addams. He always found that interesting about her.
"When we get to the dorm... can we go on the balcony to admire it from there?"
"Sure," He nodded, "But the second a raindrop falls on you, we're going back inside, no questions asked."
"Deal."
They did as she wanted, and watched the dark clouds roll by, him in one of the filigree chairs by a matching round table, and her in the wheelchair. He blushed at her smile; she looked so happy and relaxed. Going out did her good, in his opinion; her grumpiness had ceased. And he had to admit, watching the clouds roll by was kind of soothing; even if he preferred white on blue over grey on, well, lighter grey. But to each his own, right? As she sipped her fountain soda, her eyes never tore away from the gloomy sight.
Without thinking, he laid one arm over her shoulders. She looked over at his hand, more in surprise than anything else, but he was startled nonetheless. "S-sorry," He quickly drew it back, but her small smile in his direction calmed his heart just a bit.
After a few minutes, rain started to fall, so he quickly went back inside with her before they could get soaked. By the time it let up somewhat, it was almost dinnertime, so he got their meals from the noodle bar in the area, and brought it to the dorm. "Did you miss me?" He joked, pulling his damp umbrella shut.
She smirked in his direction from watching the rain. "A little," She replied with sincerity, "You got my favorite?"
"Sure did; udon with some shrimp in it, just how you like it!"
She smiled when he set the plate in her lap. "Thanks, Ju." When he sat next to her, they started eating. Only a minute later, he noticed her struggle with her chopsticks, as if she had never use them in her life. His newly acquired quick reflexes came to the rescue when one shrimp attempted an escape to the floor. "Th-thanks," She stammered when he returned it to her plate.
"Sorry, I forgot a fork for yours. Have you ever used chopsticks before?"
She shook her head, embarrassment evident in her face. "N-no. I never learned; it's why I always went with a fork at the noodle bar."
"Ah. Here, I'll teach you; I've used them since I was a kid." He showed her how to hold the chopsticks between her fingers, trying hard to distract himself from how close they are. He even fed her one of the shrimps, to her amusement, when letting her watch him demonstrate himself. On her own, she used them to scoop up a mouthful of noodles at a slow rate; he kept her hair back out of her food, earning a quick glance of surprised gratitude, as she succeeded in her attempt. "You did it!" Jubei cheered.
"Yay me," She giggled after swallowing, "Thanks for the lesson; I'll practice when I can."
"No prob."
That night, stormy as it was, went the same as the others; Jubei dreaming that Venus is his girlfriend, and their potential life together. This time around featured a picnic in a lovely park, Mankey and Zubat enjoying themselves, and the couple feeding each other berries. This time around, Venus was in a pair of black floral duster shorts with a high waist, a black double tie-front cropped tee, a black bejeweled flower barrette, and no shoes. And like in the rest of his dreams, no cast; she was all healed, and happy. He still had the same black pants and blue button-up, and without shoes. She was seated in his lap, with her back to his chest, feeling fully relaxed. He wrapped his arms around her, leaned his head down, and they had a kiss as sweet as in the rest of his dreams.
Lightning startled him awake, but she didn't even stir. Storms made him wary, so she let him stay in her room for the night; he had been sleeping with his upper body leaned down, folded arms on her bed by her pillow, and head rested in comfortably, when his visions took him away. Mankey, who never slept without its master in the room, was laying on the floor, face-up, limbs out.
Thankfully for his blood pressure, she wore long, high-waisted lounge pants and a cozy cropped (because it's Venus) sweatshirt to bed, as opposed to one of her less modest nightgowns. Had she worn one of those, he would've lost his ability to keep his feelings for her a secret. And his ability to breathe.
As thunder rumbled, Jubei turned to Venus, who was completely unbothered by the storm. She opened up to him about how they were always comforting to her; how she would listen to thunder, and watch lightning, instead of hearing her sisters fight, or her parents... "get busy", as she put it. The thought of her having the misfortune of hearing that as a small child, especially more than once and in her own home, made him grimace. Didn't people have any self control? Especially around little children?
He knew it was creepy, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from her, as she slept. Her breathing was quiet and even, with her small chest rising up and down rhythmically under her folded arms, and her hair was spread out on her pillows. Despite the noise and flashes of light, she was so peaceful, as if nothing was happening.
When his fatigue caught back up to him, he rested his head in his arms, and drifted off to a now dreamless slumber. He felt more comfort sleeping by her side, as opposed to doing so alone in his own room, whether it stormed or not.
(A/N: Jubei's in love! Will it go anywhere, though? After this, only one chapter left! Yeah, this is a short story. But there'll be a bonus scene! You know the disclaimer.)
Pinterest links:
Venus-
Romper: 442830575869182048
Plaid Outfit: 442830575872741269
Duster Shorts: 442830575866999410
Tied Crop Top: 442830575862270167
Flower: 442830575860830663 (photo by me; it's a Penny Blossom!)
